No matter! here goes!" The Don also remounted his half-broken mustang; they proceeded in solemn silence through the corral, and side by side emerged on the open plain.
Poindexter glanced around; no other being was in sight.

It was not until the lonely hacienda had also sunk behind them that Don Jose broke the silence.
"You say just now we shall speak as business men.

I say no, Don Marco; I will not.

I shall speak, we shall speak, as gentlemen." "Go on," said Poindexter, who was beginning to be amused.
"I say just now I will not purchase the rancho from the Senora.

And why?
Look you, Don Marco;" he reined in his horse, thrust his hand under his serape, and drew out a folded document: "this is why." With a smile, Poindexter took the paper from his hand and opened it.